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American League

Oakland vs. Detroit

• About the Athletics: So much for rebuilding; instead, the A’s are writing the script for Moneyball 2. They traded away two top starters and their closer and opened the season with a $53 million payroll, lowest in the majors. But manager Bob Melvin led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2006, getting the most out of newcomers such as RHP Jarrod Parker (13-8, 3.47 ERA), LHP Tommy Milone (13-10, 3.74), RHP Ryan Cook (14 saves), RF Josh Reddick (32 home runs, 85 RBI) and C Derek Norris (.201). Since June 2, the A’s have gone 72-38, best in the majors.

• About the Tigers: Detroit might have gone from one MVP to another in reaching the postseason for the second straight season. Miguel Cabrera’s charge to the Triple Crown began in earnest on Aug. 1. He has batted .344 with 19 home runs and 54 RBI in 57 games since then. He is a contender for MVP, won last year by ace Justin Verlander, who has thrown a career-high six complete games this year. Their success has taken pressure off big offseason acquisition Prince Fielder (.313, 30 home runs, 108 RBI). He and Cabrera have accounted for more than 45 percent of the Tigers’ 163 homers.

National League

Cincinnati vs. San Francisco

• How they got here: Cincinnati, 97-65, won NL Central; San Francisco, 94-68, won NL West

• Season series: Reds won 4-3

• About the Reds: Cincinnati is back in the playoffs after a surprise appearance in 2010 that ended with a quick exit, including a no-hitter by Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay. The Reds added RHP Mat Latos (14-4, 3.48, 185 strikeouts) this season, and the rotation made it through the season without an injury. The bullpen was wiped out in the spring, so manager Dusty Baker eased Aroldis Chapman (38 saves) into the closer’s role. 3B Scott Rolen was in and out of the lineup because of injuries. Todd Frazier filled in and became a Rookie of the Year candidate with a .273 average, 19 home runs and 67 RBI.

• About the Giants: General manager Brian Sabean made the right moves after losing closer Brian Wilson to a season-ending injury in April and All-Star Game MVP Melky Cabera to a 50-game drug suspension in August. 2B Marco Scutaro (.306, 74 RBI for Rockies and Giants) and RF Hunter Pence (24 home runs, 104 RBI for Phillies and Giants) have provided a major boost. Manager Bruce Bochy mixed and matched in the bullpen all year, including in the closer spot. Catcher Buster Posey (.336) won the NL batting title and is an MVP contender.